The importance of Joseph and Mary taking Jesus to Jerusalem Temple

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season  : 29th December*

*Gospel : Lk 2:22-35*

*First Reading : 1 Jn 2:3-11*

*The importance of Joseph and Mary taking Jesus to Jerusalem Temple*

*1) Jesus was taken to the Temple*

The Gospel of the day speaks about Joseph and Mary taking Jesus to the temple 

They had taken Jesus to the temple, to present him in the temple 

They had taken him to offer him to God 

They had taken him to be blessed by God 

They had taken him to initiate the faith life, to sow the seeds God's relationship,  and to connect ones life with God 

*2) The Duty of the Parents towards their Children*

Taking to the temple is a very important and primary duty of the parents 

Taking to the temple means 

Teaching them about God

Teaching them about religion

Teaching them about Faith 

Teaching them about divine values 

Teaching them about prayer 

Teaching them about spiritual life 

Teaching them about discipline

Teaching them about Morality 

*3) Failure in this Duty, causes Serious Trouble*

The first duty of teaching about, God, faith, morality, prayer, values absolutely depends on the parents 

Failure in this duty causes a serious and terrible problems for both, parents and children

Lack of interest by the parents to take children to the temple and teaching them values, will spoil the life of the children 

As a parents if one fails to correct the children at the right time, has failed miserably in ones duty and also responsible in spoiling the life of the Children

*4) The Need to become Joseph and Mary*

In the present day context one has the follow the path of Joseph and Mary 

This is the primary duty of the parents 

To ones children, one should play the role of Joseph and Mary 

The responsibility of taking Jesus  to the temple was shared by both. Only  then it becomes effective and fruitful

*5) The First and Firm foundation to ones life*

Taking children to the Temple, helps the person to lay a strong foundation to faith life, morality and discipline   

With out this firm foundation nothing can survive

This foundation can't be put later. Only  when children are small strong foundation can be layed 

But the question is, How many of us are ready to towards this mission? 

*6) As Parents, How about my Responsibilities?*

Am I faithful in taking children to the temple? 

Am l faithful in teaching them catechism, and Gospel values? 

Am I faithful in correcting my own children?

Do I become angry when some one corrects my children? 

Do I defend always my children even when I know they have done worng?

*Do I depict irresponsible and indifferent attitude towards my family members*

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*